Home › CNN       22.07.2026

Why did Zelensky shake up Ukraine’s military leadership?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sacked the country's commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, after days of widespread protests against the removal of the country's popular defense minister.

His replacement, Mykhailo Drapatyi, 43, is a younger general often described as representing a newer generation of military leaders who have forged their careers during the current war with Russia.

CNN chief international security correspondent Nick Paton Walsh has the details, and former British MP Bob Seely explains why he thinks the move was a good choice.

0:00 Zelensky initiates a "generational" shake up of his top military commanders 3:55 What are the consequences of Zelensky's shake up? 5:47 Ukrainian MP describes his country's "new generation" of generals 9:45 Analyst explains why Zelensky needed to change the narrative

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